International Series of Monographs in Nuclear Energy, Volume 107: Radioisotope Instruments, Part 1 focuses on the design and applications of instruments based on the radiation released by radioactive substances. The book first offers information on the physical basis of radioisotope instruments; technical and economic advantages of radioisotope instruments; and radiation hazard. The manuscript then discusses commercial radioisotope instruments, including radiation sources and detectors, computing and control units, and measuring heads. The text describes the applications of radioisotope instruments in the industries, including mining and quarrying; agriculture, forestry, and fishing; manufacturing industries; transport and communications; and civil engineering constructions. The manuscript also focuses on legislation and codes of practice on the use of sealed radioisotope sources and control of radiation hazard. The book is a dependable reference for readers interested in radioisotope instruments.

Numerous sources of ionizing radiation can lead to human exposure: natural sources, nuclear explosions, nuclear power generation, use of radiation in medical, industrial and research purposes, and radiation emitting consumer products. Before assessing the radiation dose to a population one requires a precise knowledge of the activity of a number of radionuclides. The basis for the assessment of the dose to a population from a release of radioactivity to the environment, the estimation of the potential clinical heath effects due to the dose received and, ultimately, the implementation of countermeasures to protect the population, is the measurement of radioactive contamination in the environment after the release.It is the purpose of this book to present the facts about the presence of radionuclides in the environment, natural and man made. There is no aspect of radioactivity, which has marked the passing century, not mentioned or discussed in this book.

Although advanced technologies are the cornerstone of modern life, few people understand how such technologies as robotics or nuclear science actually work. Fewer still realize how—and how dramatically—technology influences our society and culture. Nuclear Technology, the newest volume in the Sourcebooks in Modern Technology Series, is a reference guide that provides non-specialists with the most up-to-date information on seminal developments in nuclear technology, as well as covering the social, political, and technical impacts of those developments on everyday life, both now and in the future. Included are a detailed history of nuclear technology's evolution, a discussion of civilian and military applications of nuclear technology, a chronology of major developments and discoveries, profiles of prominent scientists, politicians, popularizers, and institutions, explanations of key principles, a discussion of nuclear technology's major impacts and implications, an examination of major issues surrounding nuclear technology's use, and predictions of future advances. Nuclear Technology also offers a glossary of terms, a list of key associations, a list of print and electronic information resources, over 90 illustrations, and an index.